A volatile situation unfolded outside Nakuru Law Courts as 10 individuals were apprehended while en route to attend the hearing for the case involving former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga.
Additionally, four suspects, taking advantage of an adjournment to grab a cup of tea, found themselves barred from entering the court premises.
Despite the court granting permission for the defense and prosecution to coordinate access, the proceedings faced delays due to protests triggered by an overwhelming police presence.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru criticized the armed blockade of roads leading to Nakuru Law Courts, asserting that it was inappropriate to keep citizens away.
Expressing concern, Njiru warned of potential protests by the defense if friends and relatives of the 12 accused individuals were not allowed into the court hearing.
He urged Chief Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion to summon the Nakuru County Police Commander and instruct the recall of additional officers surrounding Nakuru Law Courts.
Njiru highlighted the restrictive measures, stating, “Even lawyers are not being allowed in court before showing identity cards to prove that they are members of the Law Society of Kenya.”
Prosecutor Wycliffe Omwenga dismissed the defense’s requests, citing limited courtroom capacity. He claimed that a witness had fainted earlier in the week due to congestion in the courtroom.
In response, Magistrate Kibelion acknowledged the constraints but suggested that the prosecution and defense collaborate to determine who could be accommodated. The charges against Njenga and his co-accused include membership in an unlawful sect, participation in an illegal meeting, illegal possession of firearms and marijuana, and recruiting individuals into an illegal grouping.
The alleged offences occurred between May 11 and May 12 in the Githioro area of Wanyororo in Bahati Sub-County.
